Ok, just bought a 96 Strat 2.4 to replace my 97 Contour SE. And I mean JUST BOUGHT...like 5 days ago.

Today, while taking my daughter to school the coolant light came on and the temp gauge was at max. Just like if it were overheating, accelerating made the gauge go down and the light go off...

However, the car WAS NOT overheating. I stopped and checked the engine, which was plenty cool and saw no steam, no leaking fluid...nothing. The gas gauge is sometimes slightly off, so I thought it might be some electrical problem in the cluster...however, the fact that it would go up and down whether idling or accelerating makes me nervous. If it were an electrical issue, I would think that it would stay in one position...

So...what gives? If its not overheating could it be an electrical issue? Or is it some other nasty little surprise?

Thank goodness I got such a good deal on it!

 

I just had a similar problem with my 2000 Dodge Stratus. The temperature gauge would only move one notch and no further. I removed the thermostat which is located right under the radiator cap and easily accessible by removing two bolts. Upon removing it I saw that the coil was snapped and beyond salvaging. I went to the dealer and bought a new thermostat for 16 bucks and took about twenty minutes installing it and driving around to make sure there were no leaks. As long as you put the new one back exactly in the same position you took the old one out you should be fine. Now my gauge stays just under halfway and no higher and glad to say no leaks either. I am willing to bet this is what is causing your coolant light to come on.